Te Aratai geographers' big day out.

On Friday 12th of August, after refueling and bundling excited and warmly dressed students in Te Aratai College vans, we were ready to embark on our exciting mission across Canterbury.

Senior geographers took 3 kaiako for a research mission about tourism in Canterbury - we had near perfect weather conditions for a day out - clear skies, a high of 9 degrees, and virtually no wind for a visit to the Mt Hutt Ski field where we arrived at mid-morning. Students conducted geographic research before getting on with a highly entertaining snowball fight.

Photographic evidence from selfies suggests the snowballs certainly reached their target.

Year 11 students surveyed visitors about their geographic research on motivations to travel to the mountains, whilst Year 12 students designed their own research question examining tourism trends between the “Mountains and Sea”. Our Year 13 geography students undertook freshwater quality testing at the Rakaia river as part of their more independent research. We had an enthusiastic river stone skipping competition at Rakaia Gorge as part of an afternoon break. Our second key destination was New Brighton Beach and He Puna Taimoana. After more research and refueling with pizza, we enjoyed the sunny sands and views during a hot soak at the pools - a well-deserved treat at the end of the big day.

Thank you very much to Miss Kimberely Broren for coordinating the trip and Mr Richard Jolly for driving and accompanying students on a great day. Our geographers were respectful and positive ambassadors for our school - and we had a great day seeing a slice of Waitaha!